Technical note: Optical changes in the fatty liver – first results of a near infrared spectroscopy study in a small animal model

In this experimental study we investigated the potential of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to support intra-operative assessment of the fat content of the liver, as needed in the context of liver transplantation. Rats with hepatic steatosis of different severities were subjected to the intra-operative assessment using a medical device to record NIR spectra. We observed that the changes in the optical properties of the liver, at 1210 nm using the second derivative, corresponded to the severity of hepatic steatosis as assessed by histology. Further studies have to be undertaken to validate the results, to add more parameters, and to further develop the technology for easy and safe use in the clinic.